Massage Therapy


	Jim Whedon DC, Nancy Rugo NP Grantham, NH


	Massage Therapy Nancy Rugo NP, CMT Nancy earned her graduate nursing degree from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. She is an independent adult nurse practitioner, with dual certification in Adult Health and Women’s Health, and a certified massage therapist. Nancy practices integrative medicine, combining the best of both alternative and conventional therapies. She has special expertise in the treatment of problems associated with menopause, perimenopause and hormonal imbalance. She offers safe and effective natural alternatives to hormone replacement drugs. Nancy has a strong background in pain management and complementary therapies, and is a Certified Menopause Educator. She also maintains a practice in Women's Health at The Center for Integrative Medicine in Concord, NH.

Therapeutic Massage
Offers Many Benefits
The general purpose of massage therapy is to promote relaxation, improve muscle tone and circulation, and promote elimination of toxins from the muscles and surrounding tissues. Massage is often used to relieve tension and pain, or to encourage healing in overused or injured muscles. Conditions caused or exacerbated by muscle tension - headaches, insomnia and backache - may respond to the muscle-relaxing effect massage induces.

Massage can provide relief from migraine headache pain, and may enhance the functioning of the immune system. Massage is valued as a means of relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. Massage may also help to alleviate the symptoms of other conditions such as arthritis, hypertension and asthma.

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Muscles that are chronically tense or overused produce and accumulate lactic acid, a natural metabolite produced during exercise. Massage may improve blood flow in and through muscles, helping to move lactic acid and other toxins into the blood and lymphatic system, where they can be eliminated.

Massage stimulates the release of beneficial, natural chemicals. During massage, the brain releases the neuromodulator serotonin, which plays a role in mood regulation and sleep. The body also releases natural painkillers known as endorphins during massage.

The release of serotonin and endorphins may be responsible for the pain reducing effect and sense of well being associated with massage. The elevated mood and the sense of well being following massage sessions may also help create a positive outlook in individuals with severe or chronic illness.

Jim Whedon DC, Nancy Rugo NP
Grantham, NH